Jasper Cooper

Children's author, Author/Illustrator

Available for:
Interview
Talk


Website: http://www.thekingdomofgems.com/

Contact: jasperjasperc.com
Tel: +44 (0)1227 459014 Mob: +44 (0)7729241895

Audiences:
Adults, 5-7 (Key stage 1), 8-11 (Key stage 2), 5-11 (Key stages 1 and 2), 11-13 (Key stage 3)


Details

Something About Me and My Writing

In my younger days, I was a professional tennis player. This was followed by tennis coaching and then a degree in my 30s which developed my artistic talents. After that, I was a school teacher for many years.

In 2006 I self published my first book, Candara's Gift, a Children’s Fantasy Adventure. It has achieved remarkable success becoming a No. 1 Amazon Bestseller and being stocked by Waterstones throughout the UK. Candara's Gift is the first in The Kingdom Of Gems trilogy. It has attracted major film interest and I am now represented by Creative Artist's Agency, the biggest and most powerful Hollywood talent agency in the world.

Book 2 in the trilogy, The Silver Well, was published in March 2010, and will be followed by the third, The Glass Prison, in July 2010.

Candara's Gift has been translated and  published in Turkey. The Silver Well will be out in the Spring.

How It Began

It all began when I started making up bedtime stories for my children. I decided to write one of these down. It only lasted 10 minutes at most but after years of thoroughly enjoyable work it grew into a trilogy of books. I then created some maps, illustrated it, designed the cover with the help of my son and published Candara's Gift. I threw all my enthusiasm and enjoyment of writing into it and have taken pleasure in every minute.

Apart from Candara's Gift and The Silver Well, the final  book in the trilogy is written. I have also written a further book, a children's adventure, for publication later on, as well as about 10 short stories.

School Visits

I have visited over 40 schools... primary and secondary. I thoroughly enjoy visiting a school and talking to children. My teaching experience makes me very comfortable in schools and I am talking about something I love! I have been thrilled with the response from children and teachers.

My presentation lasts about one hour and is rich with interesting features, from video clips on the interactive whiteboard to the demonstration of the takeoff and landing of an albatross! I describe the very unusual story of how I came to be an author. I also read from my book and discuss my creative methods of working.

                

I did all my own artwork for the books. I have on display some of my original artwork and link them in with the whole creative process.

 

My growing reputation means that I am now highly recommended by teachers and recently was the key speaker at a Kent Literacy Conference for 100 teachers. I also ran a workshop at the event. 

 

My aim is to interest the children and inspire them to read and write. Schools are constantly giving positive feedback about the infectious buzz that is created by my visits. My book sales are always exceptionally good and there have been many cases of reluctant readers taking to reading following one of my visits.

I provide posters, bookmarks, preparation material and video messages. I  offer a very successful creative writing competition which I judge and supply prizes.

Some Examples of Comments from Schools

“Just wanted to say thank you for yesterday. The talk really had a major impact… in fact one pupil came in this morning and produced a book he is now writing complete with a map of his imaginary land!”                                                                                                    Dominic McBride, Headteacher, St. Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, Canterbury.

“Thank you so much for coming in to school today. The children were absolutely brimming with enthusiasm about your book and I know many will be looking out for you and your work in the years ahead!  Lynne, Sarah and the head were all also full of praise and said how good the morning had been. I know there is now quite a sizeable list of children requesting a book…”                                                              Veronica Tutthill, St, Joseph’s RC Primary School, Aylesham, Kent.

"I would like to thank you for visiting our kids in Harwich. You really created a wave of interest and enthusiasm among the pupils.The pupils were inspired by your presentation, your writing and your illustrations. The personal insight you gave as regards your personal background and your inspirations for your stories really influenced and inspired the kids." 
Ray Gallagher, English Teacher, The Harwich School

"...today has been delightful. So many children have had your book tucked under their arm or their nose stuck into it Lots of children have been to see me telling how much they are enjoying the book, or how they got into trouble last night because they were still reading when their parents went to bed!! A true success!! You have inspired them! For this I can't thank you enough. For you there can be no higher compliment... your audience are happy!"
Hayley Liddon, Head of English, St.George’s CE Middle School, Sheerness, Kent.

"Jasper's visual presentation was a particular highlight and the children were enthralled when he displayed his illustrations and maps on the large screen. When Jasper showed us his original artwork the children really felt they were becoming part of the magic! I would thoroughly recommend a visit by Jasper - he has the insight and knowledge to be able to inspire even the most reluctant of readers and writers!"
Erin Moon  Key Stage 2 Co-ordinater, Chartham Primary School, Chartham, Kent.

(see my website for a list of schools I have visited with comments, photos, newpaper articles)

Talks for Adults

I tune my talks to adults to suit the audience. If you are interested please contact me and we can discuss the type of talk you need. 

I have given several very successful talks on the theme of Creativity and Writing. I illustrate it with examples of my own experience. My talk also includes some input on the creativity in other arts - music, sport and painting - which show common features. It is a talk to help the understanding of the creative force, how it happens and how it may be developed. Some have found it an inspiration to their own writing.

Literacy Courses for Teachers

My favourite topic, as the keynote speaker, is Creativity and Writing. After my talk, the workshop provides an opportunity for creative writing through an approach which is aimed at opening up imaginative expression. This experience gives an insight into the creative process which can then be used with children in the classroom.

And the rest...

 

I played tennis for England as a young man and again as a veteran. I was British Veteran Champion, singles and doubles, in 1999 - a tournament played on the velvet lawns of Wimbledon. There's a BBC News Feature about me and the writing of Candara's Gift on my website. I am married with two children and they have all played a part in my writing in different ways.

Arranging A Visit

Please email me. You may wish to look at my website where you can download the first 2 chapters of Candara's Gift. You can also see me and my children on the BBC News Feature on my website.

I am happy to travel in the UK or abroad.

 

	Candara's Gift (isbn:9780955165306) Book 1 in The Kingdom Of Gems trilogy. A Children's fantasy Adventure. View in Amazon
	The Silver Well (isbn:9780955165313) Book 2 in The Kingdom of Gems trilogy

Organisations:
The Society of Authors